Erin's Tech Space

In times of plenty we’re all quick to share our knowledge, information and surplus with those around us, but as times of famine (aka – recession) draw upon us, we hoard our knowledge and use it as a bargaining tool, a method of separating ourselves from others and a way to intimidate the competition.

This is COMPLETELY UNNECESSARY and harmful to us ALL.

I have had the recent experience of running into a few self-proclaimed “social media gurus” who recognize Realtor’s lack of experience in the online space and propagate fear and uncertainty as a way of peddling social media/marketing knowledge for a profit.

While I can’t fault someone for wanting to make a profit (as you can see, you’re on the Realty World blog so I’m obviously not working for free) I do take issue with the methodology for getting there. In times of recession or trouble, people look for places to be hopeful and those who can guide them through the tough times. Often times we are lead astray by false prophets and those who prey on our fears of losing business, income and our way of life.

As a social media, marketing and technology professional I am employed because of the knowledge I posses, my ability to implement it to an organization, and the desire to share that knowledge effectively with others.

What I have learned over the years is that when we help others understand and appreciate our profession/industry, we raise the tide of our industry, and effectively all boats in the water. For me, this means helping people seek to know and utilize online tools effectively (whether it means delivering profit immediately or not) will create a more successful social media world and increase its chance at longevity in the market.

I can’t tell you how many Realtors I’ve run into while at CAR events this week who are excited but also a bit turned off or scared, believing that without a blog, Facebook fan page, iPhone, Twitter handle and huge following that they are doomed to fail as Realtors.

As social media professionals, if we do not first seek to genuinely help others understand and properly use social media, we are shooting ourselves in the foot – because people will not stick with too many tools that they have been forced into using that do not fit their lifestyle.

If you leave a social media meeting, website or other experience feeling belittled, ill-equipped and scared – seek knowledge elsewhere, from people who are willing and eager to share it in a non-threatening and empowering way.